After a 2000 season that was anything but consistent, Penn State's core of wide receivers faces a challenge — showing it can get the job done in high-pressure situations. The same types of situations the players found themselves in last year time and time again.

And with a new coach, new quarterback, and a few returning players, they may just be able to step up to the plate — or in this case, end zone — and deliver.

According to junior Bryant Johnson, new wide receivers coach Kenny Carter brings a coaching style that is somewhat different than former Lions coach Kenny Jackson.

"It's been hard at first, but now I think we've finally adjusted to it — understanding what he (Carter) wants from us," Johnson said. "He demands us to be disciplined, relentless, proficient and efficient. It's a little different than what we are accustomed to and I think that is making us better right now."

Carter graduated from The Citadel in 1990 and from there had a few different coaching jobs at the high school and college level, including coaching Pittsburgh Panther Kevan Barlow to a 1,000 rushing-yard season last year.

"Regardless of whether you are just coming in, I've always wanted to be in a position to make a difference," Carter said. "Just to get your players excited to play and get them excited for what they are doing."

And even in the preseason Carter has begun to do that.

"I think that both of us have adapted pretty well," Carter said. "One thing you have to understand as a coach is that each player is different and they have strengths and weaknesses and you have to get them to see those strengths and weaknesses."

Carter comes on board to a Penn State team that is returning five wide receivers who saw action last year, including seniors Eddie Drummond, Sam Crenshaw and Rod Perry, junior Bryant Johnson, and sophomore Tony Johnson.

Drummond had 29 catches for 365 yards last year despite a knee sprain, which kept him from two early games in the season.

Tony Johnson, who shared the time with Drummond, had 14 catches for 204 yards and one touchdown. As for Sam Crenshaw, Paterno was uncertain of where on the field he would figure into the team this season.

"I am not sure where we are going to play him (Crenshaw) yet," Paterno said. "I think a lot will depend on how the wideouts work out. If the wideouts work out, that gives us a plus to put Sam on defense. He is a good enough athlete to play on either side of the football."

According to Paterno, quarterback Matt Senneca and defensive lineman Jimmy Kennedy are the only Lions who have solidified starting positions in 2001. The rest are up for grabs.

"We have got the new wide receiver coach, Kenny Carter, and people have to prove to him who is better and who is going to practice the way he wants to practice," Paterno said.

And the players know this.

"My goals are really the same as they've always been," Perry said. "I want to work back to earn a starting job and to stay there and to be consistent. I know what I am capable of doing and I just need people to believe in me and stay with me."

Penn State worked off of a constant rotation cycle last year with a different receiver coming in on almost every play.

But all of that has the ability to change with a new coach and the start of a new season.

"We have some quality players that have the ability to make some good plays for us," Carter said.